Vernon Davis only had one catch vs. the Packers, but it was a big one. / Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Vernon Davis could be grumbling right now, and his complaints would be understandable.

The San Francisco 49ers tight end has just seven total receptions in his team's last seven games, hasn't had a multi-catch game since Dec. 2 and hasn't scored a touchdown since Nov. 19.

Davis' slide has coincided with the 49ers' quarterback switch from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick, and the emergence of receiver Michael Crabtree as Kaepernick's favorite receiver in an attack that now relies on more read-option plays.

Kaepernick targeted Davis five times in the 49ers' win against the Green Bay Packers last week, but only one of those passes was completed. Another was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

But Davis is still thinking about that one catch - a 44-yarder that helped set up a third-quarter touchdown in San Francisco's 45-31 win.

"It made me feel like I was unstoppable. It just takes one," Davis said Thursday. "That's why I enjoy this game. Once you get that one catch in a big game, it's all downhill after that."

Davis has the experience to back up his words. In two playoff games last year, he caught 10 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns.

Davis seems to understand he's no longer the primary receiver. But as long as the 49ers are still playing, he is happy to play a secondary role.

"For me, I've just got to take advantage of my opportunities. We're winning, and that's a great thing. That's outstanding," Davis said. "I'm just excited to be here, excited to be part of this team and contribute in anyway."